Generic liraglutide costs in 2025: With and without insurance coverage

While most people are familiar with Ozempic^® (semaglutide) and Mounjaro^® (tirzepatide), for treating type 2 diabetes and for off-label weight loss, liraglutide and the medications that contain it are less familiar. But they are very similar. Like semaglutide and tirzepatide, liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it mimics the GLP-1 hormone in the body. This action helps regulate blood sugar, lower appetite, and slow digestion, leading to diabetes control and weight loss.  

Sold under the brand names Victoza^® and Saxenda^®, liraglutide is different than semaglutide and tirzepatide because it is taken as a once-daily injection rather than weekly. It’s also the first GLP-1 to be offered in generic form for both weight loss and diabetes. That means that it has the potential to cost less than branded medications, though that isn’t always the case, depending on your insurance, what it’s being prescribed for, and where you get your medication. 

Let’s look at all the cost implications for generic liraglutide and what you’re likely to pay out of pocket. Plus, we’ll explore how to find out if it’s the right choice for your health goals and how to get a prescription if needed.

What is generic liraglutide? 

Generic liraglutide is available in two types: a product that comes in the same doses as Saxenda^®, for weight loss, and Victoza for type 2 diabetes. For over 15 years, Novo Nordisk had exclusive rights to sell liraglutide, meaning no generic versions could enter the market until key patents expired in 2025. Key patents associated with it began expiring in 2025, opening the door for other companies to make generics.

Current generic liraglutide options

• Authorized generic Saxenda^® –  In August 2025, the FDA approved—and Teva launched—the first generic GLP-1 specifically for weight loss (a generic version of Saxenda®). 
• Authorized generic Victoza^® – Teva: In June 2024, Novo Nordisk partnered with Teva to release an authorized generic of Victoza^®. This version is identical to the brand-name product—same 18 mg/3 mL strength, same pen device—but sold under a generic label. Authorized generics don’t require separate FDA approval and are often launched to stay ahead of other generic competition. 
• Hikma generic (first FDA-approved generic): On December 23, 2024, Hikma Pharmaceuticals received FDA approval for the first traditional generic liraglutide. Its product launched in early 2025, marking the first generic GLP-1 diabetes treatment available in the U.S. This approval was fast-tracked due to ongoing shortages.
• NKF/Meitheal generic: Another liraglutide generic, marketed by Chicago’s Meitheal, was approved on April 2, 2025, and launched the next day. Meitheal initially offers 3-pen packs but plans to expand options. Their launch was framed as improving access during high demand.

Pending generics: Other companies have applied to launch generics. As of mid-2025, those are still pending, but more generics are expected soon, which could increase competition and lower prices.

How much does generic liraglutide cost without insurance?

What generic liraglutide will cost depends on what you are using it for.

Generic liraglutide for weight loss

While we don’t have specifics yet on the price of the generic equivalent of Saxenda^®, it will likely cost less than the branded version, which retails for about $1,300.

Generic liraglutide for diabetes management

Here is the average price range for Teva’s generic liraglutide according to GoodRx. 

• 2-pen package: $200 to $450
• 3-pen package: $280 to $750

If you compare this to the cost of Victoza^®, you’ll see that the generic version offered by Teva can be cheaper depending on where you get it: 

• 2-pen package: About $544 
• 3-pen package: About $815 

Keep in mind, too, that what you’ll pay per month will depend on which dose you are on. Each pen contains 18 mg of liraglutide. At the 1.2 mg daily dose, a pen lasts about 15 days. At the 1.8 mg daily dose (the maximum), a pen lasts 10 days. So your monthly cost will depend on your prescribed dose.

Disclaimer: Prices may change and are accurate as of the time of publication.

When does insurance cover generic liraglutide?

Yes, many insurance plans do cover generic liraglutide when prescribed for type 2 diabetes, but not for off-label weight loss. 

• Private insurance plans typically require prior authorization, meaning you might need your doctor to submit extra paperwork or prove that other treatments haven’t worked. 
• Medicare generally covers generic liraglutide for diabetes-related use. 
• Medicaid coverage depends on your state.

Even with coverage, you’ll likely still have some out-of-pocket costs.

How much does generic liraglutide cost with insurance?

With generic liraglutide, the monthly cost can vary quite a bit depending on your insurance provider and whether there are any savings programs planned.

How to reduce the cost of generic liraglutide without insurance

As you can see, the cost of liraglutide, even the generic version, can still be high. Here are some ways to make it more manageable: 

• Check prescription discount programs: Sites like GoodRx and SingleCare often offer lower prices for cash-paying customers, sometimes saving you hundreds each month. 
• Shop around: Shopping around at different pharmacies can make a difference, as prices vary more than you might expect from one store to another.
• Buy in bulk: Look into 90-day supply options, which can bring down the per-month cost compared to filling a prescription every 30 days. 

Where to get the best deal on generic liraglutide 

With so many pharmacy options out there, it helps to know where to look and what kind of deals you might find. Here’s a look at the current prices at some big-box stores and pharmacies from Good^Rx. To check your area, enter your zip code, and you’ll see what’s available near you.

Warehouse clubs and big supermarkets

Warehouse clubs like Costco and large grocery store pharmacies often offer competitive prices. These locations typically have transparent pricing, and some may even offer lower rates if you pay in cash. Here’s a look at typical prices across retailers versus the price of brand-name Victoza^®. Information for the Saxenda^® generic equivalent isn’t yet widely available.

 “It may still take time for the supply to reach retailers and pharmacies, particularly outside major metropolitan areas,” says Dr Odhett Cojocaru, MD. 

Retailer	Generic liraglutide (for diabetes)	Victoza®	Saxenda®
Costco	2 pens: $455 3 pens: $680	2 pens: $560 3 pens: $904	5 pens: $1,498
Walmart	2 pens: $505 3 pens: $753	2 pens: $568 3 pens: $848	5 pens: $1,460
Target	2 pens: $193 3 pens: $280	2 pens: $559 3 pens: $827	5 pens: $1,390

Local pharmacies and discount programs

Neighborhood pharmacies and major chains may offer discounts through in-house savings programs or third-party coupon platforms.

Below is a breakdown of estimated prices at pharmacy chains:

Pharmacy	Generic liraglutide (for diabetes)	Victoza®	Saxenda®
CVS	2 pens: $202 3 pens: $280	2 pens: $560 3 pens: $827	5 pens: $1,390
Walgreens	2 pens: $406 3 pens: $538	2 pens: $545 3 pens: $808	5 pens: $1,390
Rite Aid	2 pens: $396 3 pens: $528	2 pens: $544 3 pens: $815	5 pens: $1,351

Disclaimer: Prices may change and are accurate as of the time of publication. They may vary based on your zip code.

How to get a generic liraglutide prescription for weight loss

As of August 2025, the FDA has approved the first generic liraglutide injection specifically indicated for weight loss—a lower-cost alternative to Saxenda®. This product, produced by Teva, uses the same 3 mg daily dose that was studied and approved for weight loss treatment.

That means people now have an FDA-approved generic option for weight management in addition to Saxenda®. At the same time, other liraglutide generics on the market (available in lower doses of 0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 mg) remain approved for diabetes management. Using those versions for weight loss would still be considered off-label, something to review carefully with your healthcare provider.

How to get a prescription for generic liraglutide:

First, make sure that you are eligible. To qualify for weight loss treatment with liraglutide, most providers follow similar criteria to Saxenda^®’s guidelines. That typically means:

• A BMI of 30 or higher, or
  
• A BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related condition like high blood pressure or high cholesterol

Talk to a healthcare provider

Doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants can all prescribe liraglutide. They’ll help assess whether off-label use of generic liraglutide is appropriate for you, explain potential side effects, and discuss how it fits into your health goals.

Consider online options

If you’d rather skip the waiting room, telehealth services offer a convenient alternative. If you qualify,  Noom Med provides virtual access to licensed clinicians who can evaluate your situation and, if appropriate, prescribe the right medication for you.

How much weight can I lose with generic liraglutide?

Generic liraglutide now comes in two forms, depending on the indication and strength:

• Generic Saxenda® (3 mg daily): As of August 2025, the FDA has approved the first generic liraglutide injection specifically for weight loss. Clinical trials of liraglutide at this 3 mg dose showed an average 6% body weight reduction over 56 weeks, with some people losing more when paired with diet, exercise, and behavioral support.
• Generic Victoza® (0.6–1.8 mg daily, off-label for weight loss): Lower-dose liraglutide (approved for diabetes) may also support modest weight loss when prescribed off-label.
  • 1.2 mg daily: In one trial, people lost an average of 3 to 4% of their body weight over six months.
  • 1.8 mg daily: In the same study, weight loss averaged 4 to 5%, with similar results reported in longer trials up to 56 weeks.

Generic liraglutide: Side effects and safety concerns

Generic liraglutide can be an effective part of a diabetes or weight loss plan, but like any medication, it can come with side effects. Being informed helps you stay in control and know when something’s just part of the adjustment period—and when it’s time to check in with your provider.

The most common side effects

Many people experience mild to moderate side effects when they first start taking liraglutide. These are usually temporary and tend to improve as your body gets used to the medication. They’re most likely to show up in the first few days or when increasing the dosage. They include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Headache

Serious side effects and warnings

While serious side effects are less common, they can happen, and it’s important to be aware of the symptoms. Here are signs of conditions that need emergency medical attention:

• Pancreatitis: Symptoms include severe abdominal pain that may radiate to your back, with or without vomiting.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Symptoms may include dizziness, shakiness, sweating, rapid heartbeat, confusion, and blurred vision. This is more likely in people taking other medications for diabetes.
• Kidney problems: Dehydration from diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can worsen kidney function. Seek emergency care if you experience decreased urination, swelling in your legs or ankles, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
• Gallbladder problems: Symptoms include severe upper abdominal pain, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), and clay-colored stools.
• Allergic reactions: Symptoms may include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe rash, or rapid heartbeat. If you suspect an allergic reaction to Victoza^®, seek immediate medical attention.
• Thyroid tumors or cancer: Be alert for a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath. (This risk has been observed in animal studies.) 

Weight loss alternatives to generic liraglutide 

There are several other options in the GLP-1 family that could work for weight loss, both FDA-approved and off-label. If you go through the manufacturer to fill your prescription, you might even spend less than with generic liraglutide. Let’s take a look:

Medication	Brand names and uses	Cost per month (without insurance)	Effectiveness	How it’s taken
Semaglutide	Ozempic®: type 2 diabetes, off-label weight loss Wegovy®: weight loss and heart disease Rybelsus®: type 2 diabetes, off-label weight loss	Ozempic®: $998 Learn more Wegovy®: $1,350 $499 (NovoCare Pharmacy) Learn more Rybelsus®: $998 Learn more	Ozempic®/Wegovy®: People lost an average of 15% of body weight in 68 weeks with injectable semaglutide Rybelsus®: People lost about 4% of their body weight	Ozempic®/Wegovy®: Weekly injection Rybelsus®: Daily pill
Tirzepatide	Mounjaro®: type 2 diabetes, off-label weight loss  Zepbound®: weight loss and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)	Mounjaro®: $1,080 Learn more Zepbound®: Pens: $1,087Vials: $349 (2.5 mg) $499 (5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg) Learn more	People lost an average of 21% of body weight at 72 weeks.	Weekly injection

Other GLP-1 alternatives

If GLP-1 medications aren’t the right fit, there are still several effective prescription options available to support your weight loss journey. These alternatives work in different ways—some help suppress appetite, others affect how your body processes fat or blood sugar.

Here’s a quick comparison of some of the most common non-GLP-1 weight loss medications:

Medication	Brand names	Cost per month (without insurance)	Effectiveness	How it’s taken
Metformin (off-label weight loss)	Glucophage®, Fortamet®, Glumetza®	Generic: $4–$15 Brand name: $100–$500+ Learn more.	People lost an average of about 6% of their body weight over six months while taking metformin.	Pill taken up to two times daily
Phentermine	Lomaira®, Adipex-P®	$27-$100	About 80% of people with a BMI of 30 or more lost at least 5% of their body weight in 6 months.	Daily pill
Diethylpropion	Tenuate®, Tenuate Dospan®	$40-$85	People lost an average of 10% of their body weight in 6 months.	Pill taken one to three times daily
Naltrexone and bupropion	Contrave®	$600-$800 CurAccess™: $99	People lost an average of 7 to 8% of their body weight in a year.	Pill taken up to twice daily
Orlistat	Xenical®, Alli®	$50-$800	People in a study lost about 10% of body weight after taking Orlistat for 1 year.	Pill taken three times daily with meals.

The bottom line: The first generic GLP-1 medication approved for weight loss

With the arrival of generic Saxenda^® (liraglutide 3 mg daily), people now have access to the first generic GLP-1 medication FDA-approved for weight loss. This launch gives more people a lower-cost option for obesity treatment that’s been clinically proven to help with meaningful weight reduction.

Other generic liraglutide products referencing Victoza® (0.6–1.8 mg daily) remain approved only for type 2 diabetes. Some healthcare providers may still prescribe these lower doses off-label for weight loss, though the results are typically more modest than with the Saxenda-strength 3 mg dose. Understanding the differences in dosing, cost, and coverage is key to making an informed decision.

If you’re considering generic liraglutide—whether for diabetes management or weight loss—be sure to talk to your provider about your health history, goals, and any potential risks. Working with a knowledgeable clinician ensures the safest, most effective approach.

If you qualify for Noom Med, you’ll be paired with a clinician who can find the right medication for you and prescribe it if needed. You’ll also get a personalized weight loss plan and access to all of Noom’s tools and trackers to help you reach your goals.